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Joe Colombo (1923–1978) was a prominent mob boss and head of the Colombo crime family, one of New York's Five Families. Born in Brooklyn, he rose through the ranks of organized crime, eventually taking over the family after Joseph Profaci's death in 1962. Colombo was known for his unorthodox approach, including founding the Italian-American Civil Rights League in 1970 to combat perceived discrimination against Italian-Americans. However, his public activism drew attention from law enforcement and rival mobsters. In 1971, Colombo was shot at an Italian Unity Day rally, leaving him paralyzed. He remained incapacitated until his death in 1978 from complications related to the shooting. Colombo's legacy is marked by his unique blend of criminal leadership and public advocacy, as well as the internal conflicts within his crime family.

Offered is an original 8” x 10” TYPE I photo with original UPI stamp and and paper caption of Colombo 4 days before being shot in the head and neck in 1971. 

Rare shot of Colombo as his original photos rarely come up for sale.